Pets strut their stuff at Berwyn’s Karban Dog Park grand opening

BERWYN – Berwyn’s pet dogs officially have a place to strut their stuff with the grand opening of the Karban Park Dog Park on May 20.

City and park district officials joined a host of pet owners and their pets to celebrate the official opening of the park, located in the North Ogden Avenue alley between East and Scoville avenues.

The lighted and fenced park measures about 9,000 square feet and features a grass lawn and a fountain for thirsty canines and their owners. But Berwyn Park District Executive Director Jeffrey Janda the real stars of the day sported four legs and wagging tails.

“That’s what made the day,” Janda said.

Users of the park must purchase a permit for $50 as prescribed by Cook County to ensure that all dogs are properly vaccinated. Pet owners are then issued a key card that will allow them access to the park from sun up to sunset, seven days a week.

“That breaks down to about a dollar week,” Janda said.

“Doggy bags” are provided on site for pet owners to clean up after their pets.

In 2011, the Berwyn Park District voted unanimously to create the park after years of lobbying for such a park by dog owners.

Users can also purchase brick markers inscribed with the names of their pets. Proceeds from the sale of the bricks are used to offset maintenance costs.

The cost of the park was about $50,000, Janda said, and was primarily covered through district, state and TIF funds.